This guide was updated and expanded in October of 2016.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled, by Alice Dalgliesh. In this book Jonathan wonders if there are bears on the mountain.The mini-guide contains ten sections that include

This product was updated in 2018.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie with multiple students. The reproducibles include all of the fill-in-the-blank activities; after you purchase the

This guide was updated and expanded in July of 2018.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express, by Eleanor Coerr. In this book, 15-year-old Bill becomes the bravest rider on the Pony Express.The

This guide was updated and expanded in July of 2018.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled The Bravest Dog Ever -- The True Story of Balto, by Natalie Standiford. In this book, Balto helps carry medicine for very sick children in

This guide was updated and expanded in 2018.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express, by Margaret K. Wetterer. The book relates the true story of Kate's resourcefulness and courage. The

This guide was updated and expanded in January of 2017.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled Snowshoe Thompson, by Nancy M. Levinson. In this book, John Thompson helps Danny get a letter to his father during the Gold Rush.The

This product was updated and expanded in October of 2016.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for The Bears on Hemlock Mountain with multiple students. The reproducibles include all of the fill-in-the-blank activities; a

This guide was updated and expanded in 2018.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, by Peter and Connie Roop. The book relates the exciting true story of a girl who kept the lighthouse lamps lit

This product was updated and expanded in November of 2016.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for The Bravest Dog Ever -- The True Story of Balto with multiple students. The reproducibles include all of the

This product was updated and expanded in September of 2016.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express with multiple students. The sheets include all of the fill-in-the-blank

This product was updated and expanded in July of 2016.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for Buffalo Bill and the Pony Express with multiple students. The reproducibles include all of the fill-in-the-blank activities;

This guide was updated in 2018.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled Dust for Dinner, by Ann Turner. This book relates the story of children named Jake and Maggy who lived in the Dust Bowl.The mini-guide contains ten sections that

This product was updated and expanded in January of 2017.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for Snowshoe Thompson with multiple students. The reproducibles include all of the fill-in-the-blank activities; a copy of the

This guide was updated and expanded in January of 2017.This is a two-week literature guide for the book titled Wagon Wheels, by Barbara Brenner. The book relates the story of the Muldie family moving West after the Civil War.The mini-guide contains

This is a two-week literature study for the book titled The Long Way to a New Land, by Joan Sandin. In this historical fiction book, Carl Erik's family faces starvation in Sweden in 1868. This is the first book in a 3-book series. Note: Most

If you are looking for ideas for summer for your boy(s), check out this packet. This list was updated and expanded in April of 2018.This is a list of engaging books for boys of all ages. The following information about each book is provided: a

This product was updated in 2018.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for Dust for Dinner with multiple students. The reproducibles include all of the fill-in-the-blank activities; a copy of the reproducibles can be

This product was updated and expanded in 2018.These reproducibles enable parents/teachers to use the mini-guide for The Long Way Westward with multiple students. After you purchase the reproducibles, you may make a copy for each of your

As summer approaches, check out this list for reading for your daughter(s) and/or students. This is a list of titles and descriptions of excellent reading for girls; is has been updated and expanded in May of 2018.CNS offers other packets: reading

This guide was updated and expanded in 2018.This is a two-week literature study for the book titled The Long Way Westward, by Joan Sandin. In this historical fiction book, Carl Erik and his family continue their journey (that began in Sweden)

Ratings

Ask Christian Novel Studies a question. They will receive an automated email and will return to answer you as soon as possible.
Please Login to ask your question.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

I (Chris Roe) am a licensed teacher in the state of Minnesota; reading is my area of interest and expertise. I recently retire from my part-time job of working as a substitute teacher; I am still writing literature-related materials for our family's home-based business -- Christian Novel Studies. My husband and I homeschooled our two daughters for ten years.

MY TEACHING STYLE

Twenty years ago when I was student teaching and raising our two girls, I discovered something that has guided me since that time: Children love to read books!
I realized that one advantage to reading/studying whole books instead of individual stories is that children are exposed to in-depth views of characters and settings. As people set in a particular place and time change and develop through the chapters of a book, students grow and expand in their understanding too. I've watched struggling readers read words fluently because the words are in context and the students are able to see the big picture.
For these reasons, I began to write literature guides for books about important historical people and for books that contain classic stories.
When I start CNS, I wrote guides for Christian books (TRAILBLAZER books by Dave & Neta Jackson and Treasures of the Snow -- and other books by Patricia St. John).
Over the years, however, I also began writing guides for secular books -- and I connect biblical principles to the content of the book. Most of the biblical connections are in a section titled Bible/Life Application. Since most of the vocabulary, questions, and reading activities do not have Christian content, these guides are also able to be used in public schools.

HONORS/AWARDS/SHINING TEACHER MOMENT

In college I completed the Honors program and graduated summa cum laude. A description of my greatest honor, however, follows:
Twenty-eight years ago, as I held our oldest daughter in my arms, I pondered the questions: What is the big picture? What is the major goal in raising children? I felt the answer is that -- as parents -- we should be working toward training our children to contribute to society rather than taking from it. As we think about it, contributions can take a multitude of forms -- and they can be small or large. Some can be done every day; others are accomplished over a long period of time.
My greatest honor at this point in my life is watching Amy and Rachel contribute to society as adults: Amy is an elementary Spanish teacher who is touching students every day and Rachel is working at a challenging job for a growing business. As teens and young adults, they both volunteered many hours in a variety of programs in the U.S. and abroad. I am very proud of these two girls!

MY OWN EDUCATIONAL HISTORY

I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1993 with a B.A.S. in Elementary Education.

ADDITIONAL BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

I am an active Friend of the Duluth Public Library. I am also a member of the following reading groups: Arrowhead Reading Council and the Minnesota Reading Association. I participate in a Chapter and Verse reading group: Once a month teachers and librarians get together to discuss children's literature!